Finding workwear brands that are both affordable and stylish isn’t always easy. Of course, over the last couple of years we’ve moved to a much more comfortable work look (i.e. the same sweatshirt and leggings fitted to our WFH kitchen counter setup), so if you have now returned to a real office and reunited with work buddies, pulling yourself together work outfits can look a little intimidating.
Why? Because they often require a certain level of formality and ~professionalism~ about them. We’re talking: collared shirts, fitted jackets, sleek midi skirts – you get the vibe. But just because your office (probably) has a dress code, that doesn’t mean shopping for 9-to-5 clothes has to be a total party. On the contrary, some of my favorite fashion pieces were originally bought for work and have now moved into my smart-casual weekend wardrobe.
So, with more of us back in the office, we’ve rounded up our 16 best brands to shop for workwear in 2022.
Stories is a go-to brand for chic, quality workwear, especially if you’re looking for tailored sets and separates, sleek sweaters and playful midi dresses. Yes, the prices are a little higher but in my experience my Stories pieces have stood the test of time both in quality and timeless silhouettes.
Shop and other stories
One-button oversized blazer
& other stories
stories.com.uk
£135.00
& other stories, £85
stories.com.uk
For those of you who haven’t heard of COS, it’s pretty much H&M’s older sister, with slightly more casual and grown-up styles in muted color palettes and subtle prints.
COS Shop
If you’re looking to get your money’s worth out of your workwear, you really should check out Mango and their recently expanded curve offering. Why? Because their pieces are the perfect balance of casual chic and effortless cool, which means whether you’re buying a set, a blazer, a dress or a bag, you’re bound to want to wear it outside of work hours.
Mango Shop
Simply Be is committed to providing fashionable and trendy clothing for women with curves and that is exactly what they do. Check them out for amazing midi dresses, super easy-to-wear blouses and stylish pants.
buy just be
Super Soft Polka Dot Midi Dress
just be
simply be.co.uk
£29.00
Powder blue cotton shirt with plunging back
just be
simply be.co.uk
£26.00
H&M is another street favorite for on-trend pieces that will instantly elevate your standard Monday-Friday fits. Bursting with choice in a host of different styles and color palettes, H&M also has designer-inspired items available at a fraction of the price.
Buy H&M
You’re in good hands with Reiss when it comes to chic and understated workwear. If you’re looking to upgrade your work wardrobe with plenty of stylish cuts in neutral tones, beautifully silhouetted blouses and modern knits, Reiss is your go-to destination. Ps Meghan Markle is also a fan of the brand’s camel coat.
Reiss shop
Aura single-breasted blazer
For those who subscribe to the “less is more” wardrobe mantra, Whistles is a loud cry. Some pieces may be priced slightly higher than other high street favourites, but the brand’s offering of no-fuss contemporary options makes it a no-brainer for high-end workwear.
Buy whistles
Whistles
whistles.com
£139.00
Stone Jade fitted linen blazer
Whistles
whistles.com
£169.00
Checked organic cotton A-line midi skirt
sea salt cornwall
markandspencer.com
£65.00
JAGER
markandspencer.com
£150.00
If there’s one thing Everlane does exceptionally well, it’s modern basics. Known for prioritizing sustainable staples over on-trend “here one day, gone the next” pieces, the sustainability-conscious brand is all about buying less but making them last longer.
Everlane Store
still
everlane.com
US$118.00
80s Italian Wool Blazer – Black
everlane, £195
everlane.com
Very is another one to add to your list, with a wide range of quality, versatile classics that will serve you well season after season. Their best offers? Cool blouses and super wearable yet smart pants.
Buy very
Oversized Boyfriend Fit Blazer – Blue
V by Very
very.co.uk
£40.00
Belted Crinkle Wide Leg Pants – Black
V by very curved
very.co.uk
£15.00
As a quintessentially British brand, Ted Baker offers outfit options for all weather conditions, from flowy summer dresses to fun jumpers and cozy wool coats. Oh, and their smart sneakers are also the kind you’ll get away with in the office.
Buy Ted Baker
LISABEL Layered mini shirt dress
Ted Baker
tedbaker.com
£136.00
HELGI Midi dress in printed floral seersucker
Ted Baker
tedbaker.com
£195.00
ASOS has apparently unending offer everyday fashion styles to buy, but did you know that the e-tailer also has a decent workwear offer? From sharp suits to relaxed collared shirts and playful maxis, there’s something for everyone, especially thanks to the site’s fabulous Curve, Petite and Tall ranges. Shop ASOS
Cowl Neck Midi Dress with Wrap Skirt in Black
ASOS DESIGN Curve
asos.com
£33.75
Tie Front Sleeveless Wrap Midi Dress – Green
ASOS design
asos.com
£32.00
If your office aesthetic consists of preppy, comfy pieces in fun prints, Oliver Bonas might just be your go-to workwear brand. We’re talking about: pretty blouses, ultra-wearable midis and eye-catching accessories.
Oliver Bonas Store
Sage blouse with soft ruffled yoke
Black tapered pants with buckle and pleats
Olivier Bonas
oliverbonas.com
£87.00
It goes without saying that Jigsaw does a lot of fashion staples well. But, honorable mention has to go to their outerwear offering, with mega lush coats to boot. That said, Jigsaw is a real all-rounder no matter what you’re looking for – pants, blouses, midi dresses and even bags.
Buy puzzles
Striped cotton poplin shirt
Jigsaw
puzzle-en-ligne.com
£99.00
Dale checked linen trousers
Jigsaw
puzzle-en-ligne.com
£120.00
If you want to make sure your work wardrobe is up to date with the latest trends, chances are you already know Zara well. Runway-inspired styles are the order of the day, and you really can’t go wrong looking for formal dinner and daytime must-haves here.
Buy Zara
SILK BLOUSE – LIMITED EDITION
16. Studio 8 by Phase Eight
Studio 8’s selection of premium curves (up to size 26) are bookmarkable, like, stat. Their vast ranges of elegant blouses and dresses are perfect for environments from the office to the bar.
Studio 8 shop
Studio 8 by Phase Eight
phase-eight.com
£49.00
Studio 8 by Phase Eight
phase-eight.com
£65.00
Natasha Harding
Natasha Harding is a fashion editor (digital and print) at Cosmopolitan & Women’s Health UK.
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